Tiptoe through the tulips

Over 35 years ago I was firmly entrenched in planning a wedding. As typical, life was chaotic but it did not deter me from trying to coordinate the perfect honeymoon. I was insistent that we spend our first night overlooking the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale. Everything would be perfect.

Until we got to the hotel.

Weeks of planning culminated in our arrival at a rather shabby inn. Added to that, it was NOT on the beach. In fact, it had no views, was dingy and as a result was undergoing major renovation. Not the most ideal of circumstances. I remember distinctly that the clerk was trying desperately to cheer me up by sharing that the entertainer known as “Tiny Tim” was also staying at the hotel. Don’t know about you, but a honeymoon with Tiny Tim was not on my bucket list.

Fast forward so many years and I realize now that this was a great beginning to a crazy life journey. This was not a major disaster…it was a minor inconvenience. We have laughed over this story many times having spent countless great vacations in cities all over the world.

No matter how hard I try to make everything perfect, there is often something that comes up and makes us change course. It’s all good. The end result is what matters. It’s the forest…not the trees.

My botched honeymoon doesn’t equate to the serious issues of life…those things came later and without warning. Life is like that. But, it reminds me to trust God and move forward in faith. Good things come out of bad situations…they really do. It’s a learning journey and we are all onboard for the ride of our lives.

As my pastor always said, “God is Good”

…all the time.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11